Flavoring with cyclohexene methanol lower alkyl esters

ABSTRACT

Described are lower alkyl esters of cyclohexene methanols and uses thereof in augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of foodstuffs and medicinal products.

This application is a divisional of application for U.S. Letters Patent, Ser. No. 953,128, filed on Oct. 20, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,687.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides novel oxabicyclooctanes having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl and R₂ is one of C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl as well as intermediates for producing same having the generic structure: ##STR2## wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl, R₂ is one of C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl and one of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon double bond and the other of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon single bond, and C₁ -C₃ alkyl esters thereof, and uses thereof for their organoleptic properties in consumable materials.

Chemical compounds which can provide green, minty, herbaceous (e.g., rosemary, garden mint, thyme and wet lettuce) cooling, sweet, fruity, woody, eucalyptol-like, buchu-like, caraway, spicey, carvone-like, minty, basil-like, sweet anise, peppery and geranium-like aromas with fruity, blueberry-like nuances are desirable in the art of perfumery. Many of the natural materials which provide such fragrances and contribute such desired nuances to perfumery compositions are high in cost, unobtainable at time, vary in quality from one batch to another and/or are generally subject to the usual variations of natural products.

By the same token, materials which can provide dill, parsley-like, nutmeg-like, celery-like, floral, lemon, grapefruit-like, carrot-like, raisin-like, woody, safranal-like, piney, strawberry-like, raspberry-like, blueberry-like, spicey, herbaceous, lime-like, black tea-like, black pepper-like, fennel, anise-like, licorice-like, green, sassafras-like, minty, juicy fruit, orange-like, sweet, floral, fruity, berry-like aromas and dill, parsley-like, nutmeg, celery-like, lemon, grapefruit-like, carrot-like, woody, raisin-like, tobacco-like, piney, spicey, strawberry-like, raspberry-like, blueberry-like, spicey, herbaceous, lime-like, black tea-like, black pepper, biting, sweet, fennel, anise-like, licorice-like, green, sassafras-like, minty, juicyfruit-like, orange-like, floral, fruity, berry-like and herbaceous flavor characteristics are desirable in applying the art of flavoring to foodstuffs, toothpastes, chewing gums and medicinal products. Many of the natural materials which provide such flavor notes and contribute desired nuances to flavoring compositions are high in cost, vary in quality from one batch to another and/or are generally subject to the usual variations of natural products.

By the same token, hay, fruity, herbaceous aromas prior to and on smoking are desirable in the tobacco art for enhancing natural tobacco-like notes.

There is, accordingly, a continuing effort to find synthetic materials which will replace, enhance or augment the essential flavor and fragrance notes provided by natural essential oils or compositions thereof. Unfortunately, many of these synthetic materials either have the desired nuances only to a relatively small degree or else contribute undesirable or unwanted odor to the compositions. The search for materials which can provide a more refined root beer-like flavor, for example, has been difficult and relatively costly in the areas of both natural products and synthetic products.

Artificial flavoring agents for foodstuffs have received increasing attention in recent years. For many years, such food flavoring agents have been preferred over natural flavoring agents at least in part due to their diminished cost and their reproducible flavor qualities. For example, natural food flavoring agents such as extracts, concentrates and the like are often subject to wide variations due to changes in quality, type and treatment of the raw materials. Such variations can be reflected in the end products and result in unfavorable flavor characteristics in said end product. Additionally, the presence of the natural product in the ultimate food may be undesirable because of increased tendency to spoil. This is particularly troublesome in food and food uses where such products as dips, soups, chips, sausages, gravies and the like are apt to be stored prior to use.

The fundamental problem in creating artificial flavor agents is that the artificial flavor to be achieved be as natural as possible. This generally proves to be a difficult task since the mechanism for flavor development in many foods, medicinal products, chewing gums and toothpastes is not completely known. This is noticeable in products having licorice, spice, dill, parsley, carrot, grapefruit, nutmeg, spearment, lemon juice, lime, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, black pepper, and root beer flavor characteristics, particularly.

Even more desirable are products that can serve to substitute for difficult-to-obtain natural perfumery oils and at the same time substitute for natural flavoring ingredients in foodstuffs, chewing gums, medicinal products and toothpastes and in addition, at the same time, substitute for natural flavoring ingredients in tobaccos.

Arctander in "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals)", Vol. I, 1969 at monograph No. 616 describes 1,8-cineole having the structure: ##STR3## as being useful in perfumery and in flavor compositions. Thus, Arctander states, regarding 1,8-cineole:

"Fresh, diffusive, camphoraceous-cool odor of poor tenacity. Sweet and fresh, cool-camphoraceous taste and cool mouthfeel unless very highly concentrated.

Widely used in perfume compositions for its refreshing effect in herbaceous type fragrances, Lavender, New Mown Hay, Fougere, etc. and in medicinal type odors for soap and household products. Also, in masking odors for industrial purposes, unless Eucalyptus oil must be used for its lower cost.

This oxide has found increased usage during the 1965/66 period of abnormally high prices for Lavandin and Spike Lavender oils.

The odor of Eucalyptus is, in some countries, rated synonomous with masking odors for lavatories, etc., a fact which has an unquestionable psychological effect, causing people to reject the odor of Eucalyptus for oral-hygienic purposes, etc. Similar viewpoints has been observed about the use of Methylsalicylate in dentifrice in many European countries. Peculiarly enough, Methylsalicylate is still a popular candy-, soft-drink-and toothpaste flavor in the U.S.A., where the ester at the same time is used as a masking agent in toilet-bowl cleaners!

The `olfactory association` is quite human and common, but it may at times completely destroy the changes of a chemical from its use in flavors or other field.

Eucalyptol is extensively used in flavor compositions, particularly in all types of preparations for oral hygiene, dentifrice, breath-sprays, mouthwashes, cough lozenges, pastilles, skin-rubbing lotions, inhalator fluids, etc.

It seems, however, that its use in skin rubbing lotions has hampered its popularity as a candy flavor in the U.S.A.

Normal use concentrations are about 1 to 15 ppm in the finished (flavored) product, but concentrations as high as 200 ppm are found in chewing gum."

Furthermore, the compound having the structure: ##STR4## and the compound having the structure: ##STR5## are reported by Sopov and Kovner at Zh. Obsch. Khim. 34, 1492-6 (1964) as abstracted in Chem. Abstracts, Vol. 61, 5529b.

The Sopov and Kovner reference does not, however, disclose organoleptic uses of the compounds having the structures: ##STR6##

Furthermore, nothing in the prior art discloses any of the compounds having the generic structure: ##STR7## wherein R₂ is C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl and R₁ is hydrogen or methyl and nothing in the prior art discloses organoleptic uses or uses as intermediates of the compound having the structure: ##STR8## wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl and R₂ is C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl, or lower alkyl esters thereof, e.g., acetates.

Insofar as their organoleptic uses are concerned, the compounds of the instant invention have unexpected, unobvious and advantageous properties over such compounds of the prior art as 1,8-cineole.

THE INVENTION

It has now been determined that certain oxabicyclooctanes as well as certain procursors therefor which are cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and their esters are capable of imparting a variety of flavors and fragrances to various consumable materials and are also capable of augmenting or enhancing a variety of flavors and fragrances of various consumable materials.

Briefly, our invention contemplates augmenting or enhancing the flavors and/or fragrances of such consumable materials as perfumes, perfumed articles, colognes, foodstuffs, chewing gums, toothpastes, medicinal products and smoking tobaccos by adding thereto a small but effective amount of at least one of the compounds having one of the generic structures: ##STR9## wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl; R₂ is C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl; R₅ is hydrogen or acetyl; and one of the dashed lines is a ccarbon-carbon single bond and the other of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon double bond.

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters thereof our our invention augment or enhance dill, parsley, nutmeg, celery-like, floral, lemon, raisin-like, woody, saffranal-like, piney, strawberry-like, raspberry-like, blueberry-like, carrot-like, grapefruit-like, spicey, herbaceous, lime, black tea-like, black pepper, fennel, anise-like, licorice-like, green, sassafras-like, minty, juicyfruit, orange-like, sweet, floral, fruity, berry-like, and herbaceous aroma characteristics, and dill, parsley, nutmeg, celery-like lemon, woody, raisin-like, carrot-like, grapefruit-like, tobacco-like, piney, spicey, strawberry-like, raspberry-like, blueberry-like, spicey, herbaceous, lime, black tea-like, black pepper, biting, sweet, fennel, anise-like, licorice-like, green, sassafras-like, minty, juicyfruit-like, orange-like, floral, fruity, berry-like, and herbaceous flavor characteristics insofar as augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of foodstuffs, toothpastes, medicinal products and chewing gum.

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters thereof of our invention also augment or enhance the green, minty, herbaceous (e.g., rosemary, garden mint, thyme and wet lettuce), cooling, sweet, fruity, woody, eucalyptol, buchu-like, caraway-like, spicey, carvone-like, basil-like, sweet anise-like, peppery and geranium aromas of perfumes, perfumed articles and colognes of our invention.

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters thereof of our invention also augment or enhance the natural tobacco-like characteristics of smoking tobacco by imparting thereto hay, fruity and herbaceous aroma and taste nuances prior to and on smoking in the main stream and in the side stream.

Examples of the cyclohexene alkenyl carbinol esters of our invention and their organoleptic characteristics are as follows:

    __________________________________________________________________________     STRUCTURE                                                                      OF COMPOUND    NAME OF COMPOUND                                                                            FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS                                                                          FRAGRANCE CHARACTERISTICS         __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR10##     α-allyl-4-methyl- 3-cyclohexene- 1-methanol                                           A green, oriental, floral aroma character                                      with green, floral and bitter                                                  flavor characteristics.                                                                         A sweet, fruity, herbaceous,                                                   loral aroma with carvone-                                                      like and geranyl                                                               acetate-like nuances.              ##STR11##     α-allyl-4,6- dimethyl-3-cyclo- hexene-1-methanol                         acetate      A green, spicey, floral aroma characteristic                                   with biting flavor character- istics at 2                                      ppm.             A green, fruity, anisic,                                                       woody aroma.                       ##STR12##                  A weedy green, grape- fruit-like, carrot-like                                  roma with a weedy green, grapefruit,                                           carrot-like flavor at 3.0 ppm.                                                                  A green, floral, minty,                                                        lemonly aroma.                    __________________________________________________________________________

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters thereof of our invention can be produced by first forming a cyclohexene carboxaldehyde by reaction of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a conjugated diene. The resulting cyclohexene carboxaldehyde is then reacted with a Grignard reagent to form an organometallic salt of a cyclohexene carbinol. The organometallic salt of the cyclohexene carbinol is then hydrolyzed (in the presence of acid) to form a cyclohexene carbinol of our invention. This reaction product may be used as is for its organoleptic properties or either (i) it may be further reacted by cyclizing the compound to form the desired 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane or (ii) it may be esterified with a C₁ -C₄ acyl halide or acyl anhydride such as acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride. The over-all reaction sequence described above is as follows: ##STR13## wherein R₁ and R₃ each represent hydrogen or methyl and are each the same or different; wherein R₄ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; wherein R₂ is one of C₁ -C₆ alkyl or one of C₃ -C₅ alkenyl; wherein R₆ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; and wherein one of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon double bond and the other of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon single bond; and where X is chloro, bromo or iodo.

The reaction scheme of our invention may be further exemplified and more specifically set forth insofar as it forms the novel compounds of our invention as follows: ##STR14## wherein one of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon double bond and the other of the dashed lines is a carbon-carbon single bond; wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl; wherein R₂ is one of C₃ -C₅ alkyl or alkenyl; wherein R₆ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; and wherein X is one of chloro, bromo or iodo.

The Diels-Alder reaction of the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with the conjugated diene is a procedure well known in the prior art. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of Lewis acid catalysts such as zinc chloride, aluminum chloride or aluminum bromide; or it may be carried out in the absence of catalysts at higher temperatures, e.g., 50° C. up to 150° C. When carrying out the Diels-Alder reaction in the presence of catalysts, lower temperatures, e.g., -10° C. up to 30° C. may be utilized.

That part of the reaction sequence whereby the cyclohexene carboxaldehyde is reacted with the Grignard reagent to form the cyclohexene carbinol organometallic salt followed by hydrolysis of the cyclohexene carbinol organometallic salt to form the cyclohexene carbinol followed by cyclization of the resulting cyclohexene carbinol to form the 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane may be carried out either in one step or in two steps.

In carrying out the "two-step reaction" whereby the cyclohexene carbinol is first isolated and then cyclized in the first step, that is, in the reaction of the Grignard reagent with the cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, the mole ratio of alkyl halide or alkenyl halide to magnesium in order to form the Grignard reagent is from 0.9:1 up to 1.5:1. The mole ratio of alkyl halide or alkenyl halide to cyclohexene carboxaldehyde is from 0.8:1 up to 1.5:1. This reaction of the Grignard reagent with the cyclohexene carboxaldehyde takes place in an ether solvent such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or di-n-butyl ether or another inert solvent such as toluene, chloroform or benzene to which two equivalents of ether has been added. The temperature of reaction preferably is between 0° and 100° C. with the most preferred temperature range for this reaction being from 35° C. up to 45° C.

In the two-step reaction, the resulting cyclohexene carbinol is then isolated as by distillation. The resulting cyclohexene carbinol is then cyclized at a temperature in the range of from 25° C. up to 150° C. in the presence of an acid such as aqueous hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. This acid may be used in combination with an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol or with some other solvents such as tetrahydrofuran or acrylonitrile or the acid may be used by itself to effect the cyclization. The cyclization in the alternative may be carried out using a Lewis Acid such as borontrifluoride, aluminum trichloride, zinc chloride, stannic chloride or zinc bromide in the presence of a solvent such as toluene, chloroform or xylene.

As stated above, the reaction of the cyclohexene carboxaldehyde to form the cyclohexene carbinol followed by cyclization may take place in a single reactor without separation of the cyclohexene carbinol. The conditions are the same as stated above for the two-step reaction.

If desired, the cyclohexene carbinol may be acylated rather than cyclized whereby esters useful for their organoleptic properties are formed. Suitable acylating reagents are acidic anhydride, acetyl chloride, propionic anhydride and propionyl chloride. The acylation is carried out under standard acylating conditions known to those having ordinary skill in the art, e.g., -10° C.-50° C. in the presence in an inert solvent, e.g., toluene or xylene.

The individual oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be obtained in pure form or in substantially pure form by conventional purification techniques. Thus, the products can be purified and/or isolated by distillation, extraction, crystallization, preparative chromatographic techniques (column chromatography and vapor phase chromatography) and the like. It has been found desirable to purify the oxacyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention by fractional distillation in vacuo.

When the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention are used as food flavor adjuvants, the nature of the co-ingredients included with said oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters in formulating the product composition will also serve to alter, modify, augment or enhance the organoleptic characteristics of the ultimate foodstuff treated therewith.

As used herein in regard to flavors, the terms "alter", "modify" and "augment" in their various forms means "supplying or imparting flavor character or note to otherwise bland, relatively tasteless substances or augmenting the existing flavor characteristic where a natural flavor is deficient in some regard or supplementing the existing flavor impression to modify its quality, character or taste".

The term "enhance" is used herein to mean the intensification of a flavor or aroma characteristic or note without the modification of the quality thereof. Thus, "enhancement" of a flavor or aroma means that the enhancement agent does not add any additional flavor note.

As used herein, the term "foodstuff" includes both solid and liquid ingestible materials which usually do, but need not, have nutritional value. Thus, foodstuffs include soups, convenience foods, beverages, dairy products, candies, vegetables, cereals, soft drinks, snacks, and the like.

As used herein, the term "medicinal product" includes both solids and liquids which are ingestible, non-toxic materials which have medicinal value such as cough syrups, cough drops, aspirin and chewable medicinal tablets.

The term "chewing gum" is intended to mean a composition which comprises a substantially water insoluble, chewable plastic gum base such as chicle, or substitutes therefor, including jelutong, guttakay, rubber or certain comestible natural or synthetic resins or waxes. Incorporated with the gum base in admixture therewith may be plasticizers or softening agents, e.g., glycerine, and a flavoring composition which incorporates one or more of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention, and in addition, sweetening agents which may be sugars, including sucrose or dextrose and/or artificial sweeteners such as cyclamates or saccharin. Other optional ingredients may also be present.

Substances suitable for use herein as co-ingredients or flavoring adjuvants are well known in the art for such use, being extensively described in the relevant literature. It is a requirement that any such material be "ingestibly" acceptable and thus non-toxic and otherwise non-deleterious particularly from an organoleptic standpoint whereby the ultimate flavor and/or aroma of the consumable material used is not caused to have unacceptable aroma and taste nuances. Such materials may in general be characterised as flavoring adjuvants or vehicles comprising, broadly, stabilizers, thickeners, surface active agents, conditioners, other flavorants and flavor intensifiers.

Stabilizer compounds include preservatives, e.g., sodium chloride; antioxidants, e.g., calcium and sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole (mixture of 2- and 3-tertiary-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole), butylated hydroxytoluene (2,6-di-tertiary-butyl-4-methyl phenol), propyl gallate and the like, and sequestrants, e.g., citric acid.

Thickener compounds include carriers, binders, protective colloids, suspending agents, emulsifiers and the like, e.g., agar agar, carrageenan; cellulose and cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose; natural and synthetic gums such as gum arabic, gum tragacanth; gelatin, proteinaceous materials; lipids, carbohydrates; starches, pectins, and emulsifiers, e.g., mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, skim milk powder, hexoses, pentoses, disaccharides, e.g., sucrose, corn syrup and the like.

Surface active agents include emulsifying agents, e.g., fatty acids such as capric acid, caprylic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid and the like, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, lecithin, defoaming and flavor-dispersing agents such as sorbitan monostearate, potassium stearate, hydrogenated tallow alcohol and the like.

Conditioners include compounds such as bleaching and maturing agents, e.g., benzoyl peroxide, calcium peroxide, hydrogen peroxide and the like; starch modifiers such as peracetic acid, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, propylene oxide, succinic anhydride and the like; buffers and neutralizing agents, e.g., sodium acetate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, citric acid, lactic acid, vinegar and the like; colorants, e.g., carminic acid, cochineal, tumeric and curcuma and the like, firming agents such as aluminum sodium sulfate, calcium chloride and calcium gluconate; texturizers, anticaking agents, e.g., aluminum calcium sulfate and tribasic calcium phosphate; enzymes; yeast foods, e.g., calcium lactate and calcium sulfate; nutrient supplements, e.g., iron salts such as ferric phosphate, ferrous gluconate and the like, riboflavin, vitamins, zinc sources such as zinc chloride, zinc sulfate and the like.

Other flavorants and flavor intensifiers include organic acids, e.g., acetic acid, formic acid, 2-hexenoic acid, benzoic acid, n-butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, cinnamic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, alpha-methylbutyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, 2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid, and 2-methyl-3-pentenoic acid; ketones and aldehydes, e.g., acetaldehyde, acetophenone, acetone, acetyl methyl carbinol, acrolein, n-butanal, crotonal, diacetyl, 2-methylbutanal, beta,beta-dimethyl acrolein, methyl n-amyl ketone, n-hexanal, 2-hexenal, isopentanal, hydrocinnamic aldehyde, cis-3-hexenal, 2-heptenal, nonyl aldehyde (4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, alpha-ionone, beta-ionone, 2-methyl-3-butanone, benzaldehyde, beta-damascone, alpha-damascone, beta-damascenone, acetophenone, 2-heptanone, o-hydroxy-acetophenone, 2-methyl-2-hepten-6-one, 2-octanone, 2-undecanone, 3-phenyl-4-pentenal, 2-phenyl-2-hexenal, 2-phenyl-2-pentenal, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, cinnamaldehyde, beta-cyclohomocitral, 2-pentanone, 2-pentenal and propanal; alcohols such as 1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 1-borneol, trans-2-buten-1-ol, ethanol, geraniol, 1-hexanol, 2-heptanol, trans-2-hexenol-1, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, 1-pentanol, 1-penten-3-ol, p-hydroxyphenyl-2-ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, isofenchyl alcohol, phenyl-2-ethanol, alpha-terpineol, cis-terpinhydrate, eugenol, linalool, 2-heptanol, acetoin; esters, such as butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl caprate, ethyl caproate, ethyl carpylate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl crotonate, ethyl formate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, ethyl alpha-methylbutyrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl salicylate, trans-2-hexenyl acetate, hexyl acetate, 2-hexenyl butyrate, hexyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, isopropyl butyrate, methyl acetate, methyl butyrate, methyl caproate, methyl isobutyrate, alpha-methylphenylglycidate, ethyl succinate, isobutyl cinnamate, cinnamyl formate, methyl cinnamate, and terpenyl acetate; hydrocarbons such as dimethyl naphthalene, dodecane, methyldiphenyl, methyl naphthalene, myrcene, naphthalene, octadecane, tetradecane, tetramethylnaphthalene, tridecane, trimethylnaphthalene, undecane, caryophyllene, alpha-phellandrene, betta-phellandrene, p-cymene 1-alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, dihydrocarveol; pyrazines such as 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, b 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5,6-trimethylpyrazine, 3-isoamyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 5-isoamyl-2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-isoamyl-3,5,6-trimethylpyrazine, isopropyl dimethylpyrazine, methyl ethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine; essential oils such as jasmine absolute, cassia oil, cinnamon bark oil, black pepper oleoresin, oil of black pepper, rose absolute, orris absolute, oil of cubeb, oil of coriander, oil of pimento leaf, oil of patchouli, oil of nutmeg, lemon essential oil, safran oil, Bulgarian rose, capsicum, yara yara and vanilla; lactones such as γ-nonalactone; sulfides, e.g., methyl sulfide and other materials such as maltol, and acetals (e.g., 1,1-diethoxyethane, 1,1-dimethyloxyethane and dimethoxymethane), piperine, chavicine, and piperidine.

The specific flavoring adjuvant selected for use may be either solid or liquid depending upon the desired physical form of the ultimate product, i.e., foodstuff, whether simulated or natural, and should, in any event, (i) be organoleptically compatable with the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention by not covering or spoiling the organoleptic properties (aroma and/or taste) thereof; (ii) be non-reactive with the oxabicyclooctene derivatives and the cyclohexane alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention and (iii) be capable of providing an environment in which the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters can be dispersed or admixed to provide a homogeneous medium. In addition, selection of one or more flavoring adjuvants, as well as the quantities thereof will depend upon the precise organoleptic character desired in the finished product. Thus, in the case of flavoring compositions, ingredient selection will vary in accordance with the foodstuff, chewing gum, medicinal product or toothpaste to which the flavor and/or aroma are to be imparted, modified, altered or enhanced. In contradistinction, in the preparation of solid products, e.g., simulated foodstuffs, ingredients capable of providing normally solid compositions should be selected such as various cellulose derivatives.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the amount of oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters employed in a particular instance can vary over a relatively wide range, depending upon the desired organoleptic effects to be achieved. Thus, correspondingly, greater amounts would be necessary in those instances wherein the ultimate food composition to be flavored (e.g., with a spice flavor or a specific black pepper-like flavor) is relatively bland to the taste, whereas relatively minor quantities may suffice for purposes of enhancing the composition merely deficient in natural flavor or aroma. The primary requirement is that the amount selected be effective, i.e., sufficient to alter, modify or enhance the organoleptic characteristics of the parent composition, whether foodstuff per se, chewing gum per se, medicinal product per se, toothpaste per se, or flavoring composition.

The use of insufficient quantities of oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters will, of course, substantially vitiate any possibility of obtaining the desired results while excess quantities prove needlessly costly and in extreme cases may disrupt the flavor-aroma balance, thus proving selfdefeating. Accordingly, the terminology "effective amount" and "sufficient amount" is to be accorded a significance in the context of the present invention consistent with the obtention of desired flavoring effects.

Thus, and with respect to ultimate food compositions, chewing gum compositions, medicinal product compositions and toothpaste compositions, it is found that quantities of bicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters ranging from a small but effective amount, e.g, 0.05 parts per million up to about 500 parts per million based on total composition, are suitable. Concentrations in excess of the maximum quantity stated are not normally recommended since they fail to provide commensurate enhancement of organoleptic properties. In those instances wherein the bicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters are added to the foodstuff as an integral component of a flavoring composition, it is of course, essential that the total quantity of flavoring composition employed be sufficient to yield an effective bicyclooctane derivative and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinol and ester concentration in the foodstuff product.

Food flavoring compositions prepared in accordance with the present invention preferably contain the bicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters in concentrations ranging from about 0.025% up to about 15% by weight based on the total weight of the said flavoring composition.

The composition described herein can be prepared according to conventional techniques well known as typified by cake batters and fruit drinks and can be formulated by merely admixing the involved ingredients within the proportions stated in a suitable blender to obtain the desired consistency, homogeneity of dispersion, etc. Alternatively, flavoring compositions in the form of particulate solids can be conveniently prepared by mixing the bicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters with, for example, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, carrageenan and the like, and thereafter spray-drying the resultant mixture whereby to obtain the particular solid product. Pre-prepared flavor mixes in powder form, e.g., a fruit-flavored powder mix, are obtained by mixing the dried solid components, e.g., starch, sugar and the like, and bicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters in a dry blender until the requisite degree of uniformity is achieved.

It is presently preferred to combine with the bicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention, the following adjuvants: Oil of Cubeb; Phellandrene; β-Phellandrene; Oil of Coriander; Oil of Pimento Leaf, Oil of Patchouli; Natural Lemon Oil; Acetaldehyde; α-Terpineol, Citral; Carvone; Terpinolene; α-Terpinene; Diphenyl; α-Fenchyl Alcohol; Cineole; Limonene; Linalool; Geranyl Acetate; Nootkatone; Neryl Acetate; Heliotropin; Maltol, Vanillin; Ethyl Maltol; Ethyl Vanillin; Anisaldehyde; Alpha Pinene; Beta-Pinene; Beta-Caryophyllene; Dihydrocarveol; Piperonal; Piperine; Chavicine; Piperidine; Oil of Black Pepper; Black Pepper Oleoresin; Capsicum; Oil of Nutmeg; Cardamon Oil; Clove Oil; Separmint Oil; Oil of Peppermint; and C₁₀ -Terpinyl Ethers as described in Application for U.S. Letters Patent, Ser. No. 872,937 filed on Jan. 27, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,687 issued on Dec. 26, 1978 (such as fenchyl ethyl ethers).

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be used to contribute green, minty, herbaceous (e.g., rosemary, garden mint, thyme, wet lettuce), sweet, fruity, woody, minty, cooling-like, eucalyptol-like, buchu-like, caraway, spicey, carvone-like, basil-like, anise-like, citrus aromas with minty, peppery and geranium-like and basil-blueberry-like undertones to perfumes, perfumed articles and colognes. As olfactory agents, the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be formulated into or used as components of a "perfume composition" or can be used as components of a "perfumed article" or the perfume composition may be added to perfumed articles.

The term "perfume composition" is used herein to mean a mixture of organic compounds including, for example, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, nitriles, ethers, lactones, natural essential oils, synthetic essential oils and frequently hydrocarbons which are admixed so that the combined odors of the individual components produce a pleasant or desired fragrance. Such perfume compositions usually contain: (a) the main note or the "bouquet" or foundatonstone of the composition; (b) modifiers which round-off and accompany the main note; (c) fixatives which include odorous substances which lend a particular note to the perfume throughout all stages of evaporation, and substances which retard evaporation; and (d) top-notes which are usually low-boiling, fresh-smelling materials.

In perfume compositions, the individual component will contribute its particular olfactory characteristics, but the overall effect of the perfume composition will be the sum of the effects of each of the ingredients. Thus, the individual compounds of this invention, or mixtures thereof, can be used to alter the aroma characteristics of a perfume composition, for example, by highlighting or moderating the olfactory reaction contributed by another ingredient in the composition.

The amount of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of this invention which will be effective in perfume compositions depends on many factors, including the other ingredients, their amounts and the effects which are desired. It has been found that perfume compositions containing as little as 0.5% of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and/or alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of this invention, or even less, can be used to impart an interesting minty, herbaceous and/or anise-like aroma to soaps, liquid and solid cationic, anionic and nonionic detergents, cosmetics, powders, liquid and solid fabric softeners, optical brightener compositions, and other products. The amount employed can range up to 50% or higher and will depend on considerations of cost, nature of the end product, and the effect desired on the finished product and particular fragrance sought.

The oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of this invention can be used alone or in a perfume composition as an olfactory component in detergents and soaps, space odorants and deodorants; perfumes; colognes, toilet waters; bath salts; hair preparations such as lacquers, brilliantines, pomades, and shampoos; cosmetic preparations such as creams, deodorants, hand lotions, and sun screens; powders such as talcs, dusting powders, face powder, and the like. When used as an olfactory component of a perfumed article, as little as 0.01% of one or more of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters will suffice to impart an interesting minty, herbaceous and/or anise-like aroma. Generally, no more than 0.5% is required.

In addition, the perfume composition can contain a vehicle or carrier for the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters alone or with other ingredients. The vehicle can be a liquid such as an alcohol such as ethanol, a glycol such as propylene glycol, or the like. The carrier can be an absorbent solid such as a gum or components for encapsulating the composition such as gelatin which can be used to form a capsule wall surrounding the perfume oil, by means of coacervation.

An additional aspect of our invention provides an organoleptically improved smoking tobacco product and additives therefor including methods of making the same which overcome problems heretofore encountered in the creation or enhancement of specific desired natural tobacco-like notes, particularly hay-like notes. Such notes, both prior to and on smoking, in both the main stream and the side stream, may now be readily controlled and maintained at the desired uniform level regardless of variations in the tobacco components of the blend; or the nature of the filter used in conjunction with the smoking tobacco article.

This invention further provides improved tobacco additives and additives for materials used in the fabrication of tobacco articles (particularly smoking tobacco articles) and methods whereby desirable hay-like notes may be imparted to smoking tobacco products and may be readily varied and controlled to produce the desired uniform flavoring characteristics.

In carrying out this aspect of our invention, we add to smoking tobacco materials or a suitable substitute therefor (e.g., dried lettuce leaves) an aroma and flavor additive containing as an active ingredient, one or more of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of our invention.

In addition to the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention, other flavoring and aroma additives may be added to the smoking tobacco material or substitute therefor either separately or in mixture with one or more of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of our invention:

I. Synthetic Materials

Beta-methylcinnamaldehyde;

Eugenol;

Dipentene;

Damascenone;

Maltol;

Ethyl maltol;

Delta-undecalactone;

Delta-decalactone;

Benzaldehyde;

Amyl acetate;

Ethyl butyrate;

Ethyl valerate;

Ethyl acetate;

2-Hexen-1-ol;

2-Methyl-5-isopropyl-1,3-nonadiene-8-one;

2-Methyl-5-isopropylacetophenone;

2-Hydroxy-2,5,5,8α-tetramethyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-decahydronaphthalene;

Dodecahydro-3α,6,6,9α-tetramethylnaphtho(2,1-β)-furan;

4-Hydroxyhexenoic acid, gamma-lactone;

Polyisoprenoid hydrocarbons defined in Example V of U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,372 issued on June 29, 1971

II. Natural Oils

Celery seed oil;

Coffee extract;

Bergamot oil;

Cocoa extract;

Nutmeg oil;

Origanum oil.

An aroma and flavoring concentrate containing one or more of the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of our invention and, if desired, one or more of the above-indicated additional flavoring additives may be added to the smoking tobacco material, to the filter or to the leaf or paper wrapper or to a filter which is part of the smoking article. The smoking tobacco material may be shredded, cured, cased and blended tobacco material or reconstituted tobacco material or tobacco substitutes (e.g., lettuce leaves) or mixtures thereof. The proportions of flavoring additives may be varied in accordance with taste, but insofar as enhancement or the imparting of hay-like notes prior to and on smoking, in both the main stream and the side stream, we have found that satisfactory results are obtained if the proportion by weight of the sum total of oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or the cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters to smoking tobacco material is between 50 ppm and 1500 ppm (0.005%-0.15%) of the active ingredients to the smoking tobacco material. We have further found that satisfactory results are obtained if the proportions by weight of the sum total of oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters used to flavoring material is between 0.05:1 and 0.50:1.

Any convenient method for incorporating the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters in the tobacco product may be employed. Thus the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters taken alone or along with other flavoring additives may be dissolved in a suitable solvent such as food grade ethanol, pentane, diethyl ether and/or other volatile organic solvents, and the resulting solution may either be sprayed on the cured, cased and blended tobacco material; or the tobacco material or filter may be dipped into such solution. Under certain circumstances, a solution of one or more oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters taken alone or taken further together with other flavoring additives as set forth above, may be applied by means of a suitable applicator such as a brush or roller on the paper or leaf wrapper for the smoking product, or it may be applied to the filter by either spraying or dipping or coating.

Furthermore, it will be apparent that only a portion of the tobacco or substitute therefor need be treated, and the thus-treated tobacco may be blended with other tobaccos before the ultimate tobacco product is formed. In such cases, the tobacco treated may have one or more oxabicyclooctane derivatives and/or cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and/or esters of our invention in excess of the amounts or concentrations above indicated so that when blended with other tobaccos, the final product will have the percentage within the indicated range.

While our invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of smoking tobacco such as cigarette tobacco, cigar tobacco and pipe tobacco, other tobacco products formed from sheeted tobacco dust or fines may also be used. As stated supra, the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be incorporated with materials such as filter tip materials, seam paste, packaging materials and the like which are used along with the tobacco to form a product adapted for smoking. Furthermore, the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be added to certain tobacco substitutes of natural or synthetic origin (e.g., dried lettuce leaves) and, accordingly, by the term "tobacco" as used throughout this specification is meant any composition intended for human consumption, by smoking or otherwise, whether composed of tobacco plant parts or substitute materials or both.

It will thus be apparent that the oxabicyclooctane derivatives and cyclohexene alkyl and alkenyl carbinols and esters of our invention can be utilized to alter, modify, augment or enhance sensory properties, particularly organoleptic properties, such as flavor(s) and/or fragrance(s) of a wide variety of consumable materials.

The following examples serve to illustrate our invention, and this invention is to be considered restricted thereto only as indicated in the appended claims.

All parts and percentages given herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE I PREPARATION OF α-ALLYL-4,6-DIMETHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYLMETHYL ACETATE

Reaction: ##STR15##

A solution of 101 grams (0.56 moles) of α-allyl-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethanol and 102 grams of acetic anhydride are heated at reflux (135° C.) for two hours. The reaction mass is cooled to 50° C. and 700 ml of water and 100 ml of toluene are added thereto. The mass is stirred for one hour. The aqueous layer is discarded and the organic layer is washed with water and dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate respectively. Distillation through a 48" Vigreux column affords 91 grams of α-allyl-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethyl acetate (boiling point 107° C., 2 mm Hg).

EXAMPLE II PREPARATION OF α-ALLYL-2,4-DIMETHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYLMETHYL ACETATE

Reaction: ##STR16##

A solution of 156 grams of α-allyl-2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethanol and 172 grams of acetic acid are heated at reflux for a period of two hours. The reaction mass is then cooled to 50° C. and 2 liters of water and 100 ml of toluene are added thereto. The reaction mass is stirred for a period of one hour. The aqueous layer is discarded and the organic layer is washed with water and dilute aqueous sodium carbonate respectively. Distillation through a 1"×12" Vigreux column affords 162 grams of α-allyl-2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethyl acetate (boiling point 84° C., 0.8 mm Hg).

EXAMPLE III PREPARATION OF α-ALLYL-4-METHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYLMETHYL ACETATE

Reacton: ##STR17##

A solution of 195 grams (1.2 moles) of α-allyl-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenylmethanol and 200 grams of acetic anhydride are heated to reflux (138° C.) for 2.5 hours. The reaction mass is then cooled to 50° C. and two liters of water and 200 ml of toluene are added thereto. The reaction mass is stirred for a period of 30 minutes. The aqueous layer is discarded and the organic layer is washed successively with 1 liter of water and 1 liter of dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The reaction mass is then stripped of toluene affording 229 grams of an oil. This oil is distilled through a 1"×12" Goodloe packed column to afford 194 grams of α-allyl-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenylmethyl acetate (boiling point 99° C., 3 mm Hg). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of a foodstuff comprising the step of adding to said foodstuff from 0.05 ppm up to about 500 ppm based on said foodstuff of an alpha-allyl-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate having a structure selected from the group consisting of: ##STR18##
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the alpha-allyl-cyclohexene methanol acetate is alpha-allyl-4-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate having the structure: ##STR19##
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the alpha-allyl-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate is alpha-allyl-4,6-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate having the structure: ##STR20##
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein the alpha-allyl-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate is alpha-allyl-4,6-dimethyl-4-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate having the structure: ##STR21## 